Air spring assembly with non-threaded connection

ABSTRACT

A connector fitting and air spring assembly includes a connector fitting supported on an end member of an air spring. The connector fitting is secured on the air spring by a retaining member engaging the end member of the air spring.

BACKGROUND

The present novel concept broadly relates to the art of fluid suspensiondevices and, more particularly, to an air spring assembly with anon-threaded interface adapted to connect or otherwise attach anassociated component, such as an air line or a sensor.

The subject connector fitting finds particular application and use inassociation with air springs and vehicle suspension systems, and will bedescribed herein with specific reference thereto. However, it is to beunderstood that the subject novel concept is amenable to broad use and,as such, is equally applicable in other suitable environments.Accordingly, it will be understood that the present novel concept is notintended to be limited to the uses and/or applications described herein,which are merely exemplary.

Most known compression fittings for fluid lines, as well as othermulti-piece connectors of similar types, can be used to secure an airsupply line to an air spring. In such arrangements, an end member of theair spring is normally provided with a threaded passage that providescommunication with the spring chamber of the air spring. The compressionfitting is then threaded into the passage. Once the fitting has beeninstalled, the air line is connected thereto in a traditional manner.While such fittings tend to provide a relatively robust connectionbetween the air line and the air spring, numerous problems nonethelessexist with these types of connections. For example, the threadedconnection with the end member of the air spring can to provide a leakpath, which undesirably increases air consumption and decreases systemefficiency.

Additionally, compression-type fittings are often difficult and timeconsuming to install, especially in areas of limited clearance, such asbetween structural members and/or body panels of a vehicle, for example.Though the body of such a fitting can often be installed ahead of time,numerous other parts of the compression fitting and fluid line need tobe arranged and manipulated after the air spring has been installed onthe vehicle. This undesirably increases the time and effort required toinstall or replace an air spring of a vehicle suspension system.

What's more, the air line is usually secured in a fixed position on acompression fitting. That is, the air line is normally not permitted tomove or rotate relative to the connector or air spring. Thus, the airline and/or fitting can become undesirably stressed due to the movementsof the vehicle body. Additionally, such an arrangement could result inthe air line being positioned against or otherwise contacting astructural member or the object. As a result, chaffing, abrasion orother degradation of the air line could occur. These conditions aredisadvantageous and can lead to premature maintenance, repair and/orreplacement of the air line and/or connector fitting.

Furthermore, the nature of the fitting and the need for the fitting bodyand other components to be accessible for the proper installation of theair line, requires that the majority of the fitting project or otherwiseextend outwardly from the air spring. As a result, a certain minimumamount of peripheral clearance is needed for wrenches or other toolsused during the connection of the air line. This external mountingarrangement also mandates that the fitting have a certain minimumlength, which typically significantly increases the overall height ofthe air spring and fitting assembly. The disadvantage of the extraheight is further increased where the end member of the air spring hasan outwardly projecting boss into which the fitting body is threaded.

As an alternative to compression and other multi-piece fittings, socalled “push-to-connect” (PTC) fittings have been developed and havebeen used in air spring applications. Generally, these types ofconnections provide for easier connection of the air line relative tocompression fittings, and PTC fittings also typically permit the airline to rotate or swivel, which can reduce the stress on the air lineand the fitting. Though PTC fittings have improved certain aspects ofthe air spring/air line connection, numerous disadvantages remain withthe use of these types of connector fittings.

One example of such a disadvantage is that PTC fittings used heretoforehave only minimally reduced to overall length of the fitting, if anyreduction at all has been achieved. Thus, the portion of the fittingextending from the threaded connection undesirably increases the overallheight dimension of the air spring. As a result, the foregoing clearanceand other issues associated with this increased overall height remainunresolved by known PTC fittings.

A further disadvantage is that such PTC fittings remain threadablyinstalled on the exterior of the end member of the air spring.Therefore, a threaded passage is normally required on the end member ofthe air spring and the resulting leakage issues, discussed above, remainunresolved. Additionally, loads from tension and movements of the airline, impacts from road debris and changing temperatures can all act todegrade the integrity of the threaded connection of both PTC andcompression fittings. This is at least partly due to the installation ofthe fitting along the exterior of the air spring.

Regardless of the type, kind or configuration of threaded fitting thatmay be used, the provision and use of threads to connect an air line orsensor will have numerous disadvantages associated with such use. Onedisadvantage is simply the costs associated with machining the threadson the air spring part or parts. That is, substantially tight tolerancesare normally maintained on the threaded features and, typically, highercosts are associated with holding tighter tolerances. For example, wherethe threaded part is to be plated or coated, such as for corrosionresistance, dimensional allowances should be provided on the threads toaccommodate the plating or coating buildup that is to be later applied.

Furthermore, threaded connections can result in the deflection of partsor features which, in turn, can cause assembly or other problems. Forexample, air springs commonly use mounting studs projecting from a topor bead plate to secure the air spring to an associated structuralmember. One type of mounting stud is commonly referred to as acombination stud or fitting, and includes a central passage used tocommunicate with the spring chamber of the air spring. Typically, theseso called combination fittings include both internal and externalthreads. A threaded connector fitting is typically secured along thethreaded passage to connect the air line. To form a suitable fluid-tightconnection, however, tapered threads, such as pipe threads, are normallyused. As the fitting is tightened into the internal threads of thecombination fitting, the same becomes outwardly deflected. As a result,the external threads become oversized, which can undesirably causeassembly problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A connector fitting is provided in accordance with the present novelconcept that is adapted for use in securing an associated component ofan associated vehicle suspension system on an associated air springthereof. The associated air spring has an associated spring chamberformed between a spaced-apart pair of associated end members, with oneof the associated end members having an associated outer wall, anassociated inner wall and an associated passage wall defining anassociated fitting passage in communication with the associated springchamber. The connector fitting includes a fitting housing dimensioned tobe received within the associated fitting passage of the associated endmember. The connector fitting also includes a sealing member sealinglysupported between the fitting housing and the associated passage wall,as well as a plurality of elongated retaining members extending from thefitting housing. The fitting housing includes an outer housing wall andan inner housing wall. The inner housing wall at least partially definesa housing passage extending through the fitting housing for supportingthe associated component in communication with the associated springchamber. The outer housing wall includes a radially outwardly extendingsupport surface adapted to engage one of the associated outer wall andthe associated passage wall of the associated end member. The pluralityof retaining members include a first end extending from the fittinghousing and a second end capable of resilient deflection. The second endincludes a projection suitable for engaging one of the associated innerwall and the associated passage wall.

An air spring assembly is provided in accordance with the present novelconcept that includes a first end member and a second end member inspaced relation to the first end member. The first end member includinga first side, an opposing second side and a substantially smooth-walledfluid passage extending therethrough. The air spring assembly alsoincludes a flexible wall secured between the first and second endmembers at least partially defining a fluid chamber in communicationwith the fluid passage. The air spring assembly also includes aconnector fitting for retaining an associated fluid line incommunication with the fluid chamber. The connector fitting is supportedon the first end member along the fluid passage and includes a fittingbody, a retaining collar, an inner support sleeve, a first sealingmember and a second sealing member. The fitting body includes a supportsurface and a body wall at least partially defining a body passage. Thefitting body is at least partially received in the fluid passage suchthat the support surface engages at least a portion of the first endmember. The retaining collar is received in the body passage and isadapted to engage an associated exterior surface of the associated fluidline. The inner support sleeve is received in the body passage adjacentthe retaining collar and is adapted to engage an associated interiorsurface of the associated fluid line. The first sealing member iscompressively positioned between the fitting body and the first endmember, and the second sealing member is disposed within the bodypassage and is compressively positioned between the fitting body and theassociated exterior surface of the associated fluid line. The air springassembly also includes a retaining member adapted to engage the firstend member and retain the connector fitting thereon.

An air spring assembly is provided in accordance with the present novelconcept that is adapted to receive an associated cartridge fittingsuitable for securing an associated air line on the air spring assembly,which includes a first end member and a second end member. The first endmember includes a first outer wall, an opposing first inner wall and anend member opening extending through the first end member. The first endmember has a substantially uniform first end member thickness along theend member opening. The second end member includes a second outer walland an opposing second inner wall. The second end member is spaced fromthe first end member and oriented such that the second inner wall isdisposed toward the first inner wall. Additionally, the air springassembly includes a flexible wall secured between the first and secondend members that at least partially forms a spring chamber between thefirst and second inner walls thereof. A cartridge housing is securedalong the first inner wall of the first end member within the springchamber. The cartridge housing includes a housing passage extendingtherethrough. The housing passage is accessible through the end memberopening for receiving the associated cartridge fitting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a known air spring and fittingassembly.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of one exemplary embodiment of an airspring and fitting assembly in accordance with the present novelconcept.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged and exploded side view, in partial cross section,of the air spring and fitting assembly in DETAIL 3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the air spring and connectorassembly in FIG. 3 shown in an assembled condition.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a fittingsuitable for use in forming an air spring and fitting assembly inaccordance with the present novel concept.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of anair spring and fitting assembly in accordance with the present novelconcept.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the air spring andfitting assembly in DETAIL 7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of theair spring and fitting assembly in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of another alternate embodiment ofthe air spring and fitting assembly in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of still another alternateembodiment of the air spring and fitting assembly in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of afitting in accordance with the present novel concept.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of afitting in accordance with the present novel concept.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the fitting shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is front view of the fitting shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is side view of the fitting shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a known air spring ASP having a bead plate BDP, apiston PST spaced from the bead plate and a flexible wall FLX securedtherebetween. Mounting studs STD project outwardly from bead plate BDPand are suitable for securing the air spring on a vehicle suspensioncomponent (not shown) in a typical manner. A boss BSS projects upwardlyfrom a top surface TSS of the bead plate and includes a threaded passageTPG formed therethrough. A typical push-to-connect fitting FTG includesa threaded portion THD that threadably interengages the threadedpassage. An air line ALN extends into fitting FTG and is capturedtherein in a known manner. As is apparent from FIG. 1, fitting FTGprojects outwardly a substantial distance from top surface TSS, asindicated by dimension HGT. This can undesirably result in clearance,leakage and other issues, as discussed above in detail.

Referring now in greater detail to FIGS. 2-15, wherein the showings arefor the purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the subjectnovel concept only, and not for the purposes of limiting the same, FIG.2 illustrates an air spring and fitting assembly 100 in accordance withthe present novel concept. Air spring and fitting assembly 100 includesan air spring (not numbered) having a first end member, such as a beadplate 102, for example, and a second end member, such as a piston 104,for example, spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall 106 isdisposed between the bead plate and piston and can be secured thereto inany suitable manner. The flexible wall at least partially defines aspring chamber (not shown) formed therewithin between the opposing endmembers. A suitable mounting arrangement, such as mounting studs 108,for example, are provided and extend from bead plate 102. Additionally,it will be appreciated that the rolling lobe-type air spring shown anddescribed herein is merely exemplary of a suitable air spring, and thatany other suitable type, kind and/or configuration of an air spring canalternately be used.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate air spring and fitting assembly 100 in furtherdetail. More specifically, FIG. 3 shows bead plate 102 and a cartridgehousing 110 in cross section and prior to assembly with a cartridgefitting 112 and a retaining member, such as retaining ring 114, forexample. Bead plate 102 includes an outer surface or wall 116, an innersurface or wall 118, and an opening wall 120 forming an opening 122through the bead plate.

Cartridge housing 110 includes a top wall 124 and an opposing bottomwall 126. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, cartridge housing110 is substantially cylindrical and includes a cylindrical side wall128. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape and/orconfiguration can alternately be used. The cartridge housing alsoincludes a housing inner wall 130 defining a housing passage 132extending through the cartridge housing. Additionally, a pilot 134projects outwardly from top wall 124 and includes a pilot side wall 136and a pilot end wall 138.

A plurality of geometric features and surfaces are formed along housinginner wall 130 toward top wall 124 and pilot 134. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a radially outwardly extending groove140 is formed along housing passage 132 between spaced-apart groovewalls 142. Additionally, a cartridge seating surface 144 is formedadjacent groove 140 but spaced therefrom toward bottom wall 126.Optionally, a feature, such as a frustoconical relief 146, for example,can be provided adjacent groove 140 opposite seating surface 144 thatmay be useful for manufacturing or assembly purposes, such as forfacilitating installation of cartridge fitting 112 and retaining ring114 on the cartridge housing, for example.

As can be better seen in FIG. 4, cartridge fitting 112 is received intocartridge passage 132 of cartridge housing 110 such that a radiallyoutwardly extending flange 148 of cartridge body 150 engages seatingsurface 144 thereby supporting the cartridge fitting on the cartridgehousing. Retaining ring 114 is fitted into groove 140 thereby capturingflange 148 and retaining cartridge fitting 132 within the cartridgehousing. One or more sealing members, such as o-rings 152, for example,are sealingly positioned between cartridge body 150 and housing innerwall 130 forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween.

Cartridge body 150 includes an inside wall 154 at least partiallydefining a fitting passage 156 extending therethrough. A retainingcollet 158 is received within fitting passage 156, and includes a colletbase wall 160 and a plurality of retaining fingers 162. A radiallyinwardly extending projection 164 is formed on the retaining fingers andis useful for engaging the associated outside surface of the associatedair line or supply tube. An inner support sleeve 166 is disposed withinfitting passage 156 and is suitable for being received inside theassociated air line. A sealing member, such as an o-ring 168, is alsoprovided within fitting passage 156 and is suitable for forming asubstantially fluid-tight seal between the associated outside surface ofthe associated air line and inside wall 154 of cartridge body 150. Itwill be appreciated that the structure and operation of cartridgefittings, such as cartridge fitting 112, for example, are generally wellknown. One example of a suitable cartridge fitting is commerciallyavailable under the designation Prestomatic Removeable Tank Cartridgesfrom Parker Hannifin Corporation, Parker Brass Products Division ofOtsego, Mich.

Another embodiment of a suitable cartridge fitting 200 is shown in FIG.5, and includes a cartridge body portion 202 and a connector portion204. Cartridge fitting 200 is suitable for use with a cartridge housing,such as cartridge housing 110 described above, for example, and will bediscussed with reference thereto. Cartridge body portion 202 includes anouter wall 206 dimensioned to be received within a housing passage, suchas housing passage 132 of cartridge housing 110, for example, andincludes one or more sealing members, such as o-rings 208, for example,supported along outer wall 206 for forming a substantially fluid-tightseal with an inner wall of a cartridge housing, such as housing innerwall 130, for example. One or more grooves 210 can optionally beprovided along outer wall 206 for receiving o-rings 208. Additionally,body portion 202 includes a top wall 212, a bottom wall 214 and aradially outwardly extending flange portion 216 extending from outerwall 206 adjacent top wall 212. Flange portion 216 is generally suitablefor engaging seating surface 144 of cartridge housing 110.

Connector portion 204 extends from body portion 202, and includes afirst section 218 and a second section 220 disposed at an angle AG1relative to first section 218. A fitting passage 222 extends throughconnector portion 204 and body portion 202, and is suitable for placingan associated air line (not shown) secured on the connector portion incommunication with an associated spring chamber of an associated airspring. A retaining collet 224 and a sealing member (not shown) areprovided on the end of second section 220 for securing the associatedair line within the fitting passage as discussed above with regard tocartridge fitting 112, for example.

Another embodiment of an air spring and fitting assembly 300 inaccordance with the present novel concept is shown in FIG. 6. Air springand fitting assembly 300 includes an air spring (not numbered) having afirst end member, such as a bead plate 302, for example, and a secondend member, such as a piston 304, for example, spaced from the first endmember. A flexible wall 306 is disposed between the bead plate andpiston, and can be secured thereto in any suitable manner. The flexiblewall at least partially defines a spring chamber (not shown) formedtherewithin between the opposing end members. A suitable mountingarrangement, such as mounting studs 308, for example, are provided andextend from bead plate 302. Additionally, it will be appreciated thatthe rolling lobe-type air spring shown and described herein is merelyexemplary of a suitable air spring, and that any other suitable type,kind and/or configuration of an air spring can alternately be used.

As shown in further detail in FIG. 7, bead plate 302 includes an opening310 formed therethrough with a connector fitting 312 secured therealong.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, bead plate 302 is formed fromsubstantially thin-walled sheet material having a nominal wall thicknessthat is substantially less than the length of fitting 312. As such,opening 310 is formed through bead plate 302 by deforming a portion ofthe bead plate sheet material into a side wall 314 that defines opening310. Thus, the side wall extends from bead plate 302 into the springchamber (not shown) and terminates at an end wall 316. An alternatearrangement is shown in FIG. 8 in which a bead plate 302′ is formed froma material having a substantially greater thickness than that of beadplate 302 in FIG. 7. This increased thickness is approximatelyequivalent to the length of side wall 314 in FIG. 7, such that connectorfitting 312 can be suitably installed thereon. Thus, it will beappreciated that any suitable wall thickness and/or construction of anend member can be used departing from the principles of the presentnovel concept.

Returning to FIG. 7, connector fitting 312 includes a fitting body 318.The fitting body includes an outer wall 320 and a radially outwardlyextending flange 322 forming a shoulder surface 324. A sealing member,such as an o-ring 326, for example, is disposed between fitting body 318and side wall 314 forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween.Optionally, a radially inwardly extending groove 328 can be formed onthe fitting body for receiving and retaining o-ring 326.

Fitting body 318 also includes an inside wall 330 that at leastpartially defines a fitting passage 332 extending through the fittingbody. An inner support sleeve 334 is received within fitting passage 332and is supported therein on fitting body 318. Additionally, a retainingcollet 336 is received within fitting passage 332 and is supported onfitting body 318 toward an outer end wall 338 thereof. Collet 336includes a collet base wall 340 and a plurality of retaining fingers 342extending from the collet base wall. The retaining fingers includeradially inwardly extending projections 344 formed along the free endsthereof suitable for gripping or otherwise interengaging the outersurface of an associated air line. Additionally, a sealing member, suchas an o-ring 346, for example, is disposed within fitting passage 322between support sleeve 334 and retaining collet 336, and is suitable forforming a substantially fluid-tight seal between inside wall 330 offitting body 318 and the associated outer surface of the associated airline.

Connector fitting 312 is received in opening 310 such that one of flange322 and shoulder surface 324 engage bead plate 302, which therebyprevents the connector fitting from passing through opening 310. Toprevent the inadvertent removal of connector fitting 312 from opening310, a plurality of retaining members 348 extend from fitting body 318and engage end wall 316. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality ofretaining members are substantially evenly spaced around thecircumference or periphery of the fitting body. However, it will beappreciated that any suitable arrangement and/or configuration ofretaining members can alternately be used. The retaining members includea first or attached end 350 extending from fitting body 318, and asecond or free end 352 opposite the attached end. Additionally, aprojection 354 extends radially outwardly from along the free end of theretaining members and includes a frustoconical or otherwise taperedsurface 356 and a shoulder 358 suitable for engaging end wall 316.Preferably, retaining members 348 are resiliently deflectable such thatfree ends 352 can be radially inwardly displaced as surfaces 356 engagethe bead plate during insertion of connector fitting 312 into opening310. Once the connector fitting has been sufficiently displaced orinserted into the opening, projections 354 of retaining members 348 passthrough the opening beyond end wall 316 and return to a radiallyoutwardly biased position in which shoulders 358 engage end wall 316 andprevent the inadvertent removal of the connector fitting from opening310. An alternate embodiment of fitting body 318 is shown in FIG. 9 asfitting body 318′, which includes a flange 322′ and a frustoconicalsurface 324′ instead of the generally rectangularly shaped flange andshoulder surface of fitting body 318.

Another alternate embodiment of an air spring and fitting assembly 400in accordance with the present novel concept is shown in FIG. 10. Airspring and fitting assembly 400 includes a bead plate 402, a mountingstud 404 and a connector fitting 406. Bead plate 402 includes an openingwall 408 defining an opening 410 extending through the bead plate.Mounting stud 404 includes a flange portion 412 extending radiallyoutwardly beyond opening 410 and forming a shoulder 414 with a pilotportion 416 suitable for being received within opening 410. Mountingstud 404 also includes a threaded portion 418 extending outwardly frombead plate 402 toward an end wall 420. An inside wall 422 forms a fluidpassage 424 through mounting stud 404, and includes a radially inwardlystepped wall portion 426 forming a shoulder 428 therein. Connectorfitting 406 extends into passage 424 and engages shoulder 428 to securethe connector fitting thereon. Additionally, a sealing member, such asan o-ring (not shown), for example, can be included on the connectorfitting to form a substantially fluid-tight seal along inside wall 422within passage 424.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an air spring and fittingassembly 500 in accordance with the present novel concept. Air springand fitting assembly 500 includes an air spring (not shown) having anend member, such as a bead plate 502, for example. Air spring andfitting assembly 500 also includes a connector fitting 504 secured onthe bead plate of the air spring. Bead plate 502 includes an outsidewall or surface 506 and an opposing inside wall or surface 508. Apassage 510 is formed through bead plate 502 by a passage wall 512. Aradially outwardly extending retaining groove 514 is formed on passagewall 512 between groove walls 516 and 518. Additionally, passage wall512 includes a sealing portion 520 that has a reduced diameter suitablefor forming a substantially fluid-tight seal with connector fitting 504.

Connector fitting 504 includes a sensor SNR, such as a temperature,pressure or height sensor, for example, having a wire WRE or otherelectrical lead that extends from the sensor. Connector fitting 504 alsoincludes a connector body 522 formed around sensor SNR in a suitablemanner, such as by using an injection molding process to overmold theconnector body on the sensor, for example. Connector body 522 includes aradially outwardly extending flange portion 524 that forms a shouldersurface 526 engaging outer wall 506 of bead plate 502. Connector body522 also includes an elongated sealing portion 528 and a sealing member,such as an o-ring 530, for example, disposed along the sealing portionand forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between sealing portion 528of fitting body 522 and sealing portion 520 of passage wall 512. Agroove 532 can optionally be provided along sealing portion 528 forreceiving o-ring 530. Additionally, a plurality of retaining members 534extend from fitting body 522 and include a first or attached end 536 anda second or free end 538. A barb 540 is provided along free end 538 andincludes a shoulder portion 542 engaging groove wall 516 to secureconnector fitting 504 on bead plate 502. Free end 538 is resilientlydeflectable to permit installation of the connector fitting on the beadplate, and is capable of returning to a radially outwardly biasedposition such that barbs 540 can engage the opposing side of the beadplate and secure the connector fitting thereon.

Still another embodiment of a connector fitting 600 in accordance withthe present novel concept is shown in FIGS. 12-15. It will beappreciated that certain embodiments of the connector fittings shown anddescribed hereinbefore can be more difficult than others to removeand/or replace, after being installed on an end member of an air spring.For example, embodiments discussed above that include retaining membersthat extend axially into the fitting passage in the end member andinclude a projection or barb that engages an inner wall or surface ofthe end member can be particularly difficult to remove from the endmember of the air spring. Connector fitting 600, however, is capable ofbeing easily removed from an end wall of an air spring, once it has beeninstalled thereon. This can be beneficial in certain applications whereinspection, repair and/or replacement of the connector fitting and/orcomponent thereof is desirable.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that connector fitting 600 is shownin FIGS. 12-15 without reference to any particular internal structure orfeatures thereof, and will be described herein without any particularreference thereto. As such, it is to be understood that connectorfitting 600 is capable of broad use in a wide variety of applicationsand can include any suitable internal structure and/or componentswithout departing from the principles of the present novel concept. Asone example, a connector fitting adapted for easy removal from an endmember, such as connector fitting 600, for example, could include asensor disposed therein with a fitting body formed therearound, such asis shown in connector fitting 504 shown in FIG. 11, for example. Asanother example, a connector fitting adapted for easy removal from anend member, such as connector fitting 600, for example, could include aninner support sleeve, a sealing member and a retaining collet forreceiving an end of a length of associated air line, such as is shown inconnector fitting 312 in FIG. 7, for example.

Returning to FIGS. 12-15, connector fitting 600 includes a side wall 602extending between opposing end walls 604 and 606. A radially outwardlyextending flange 608 includes opposing flange walls 610 and 612, and issuitable for engaging a wall or shoulder of an end member, such asoutside wall 506 of air spring and fitting assembly 500 in FIG. 11, forexample. A radially inwardly extending groove 614 is formed between endwall 606 and a groove wall 616 spaced therefrom. Opposing flats 618 and620 are formed along side wall 602, and retaining members 622 and 624are disposed along the exterior of the connector fitting adjacent flats618 and 620, respectively.

Retaining members 622 and 624 each include an inner surface or wall 626and an outer surface or wall 628 generally opposite the inner surface orwall. Retaining members 622 and 624 are supported on the connectorfitting at an attachment end 630 thereof and are oriented such that theinner walls 626 disposed toward flats 618 and 620. The retaining membersare spaced from the body of the connector fitting such that a gap 632 isformed between flats 618 and 620 and corresponding inner walls 626. Theretaining members include a free end 634 opposite attachment ends 630,and a projection 636 extends radially outwardly from the retainingmembers along the free ends thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, outerwalls 628 are formed with the same curvature as the other portions ofthe body. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape can beused.

In use, connector fitting 600 is received on an end member of an airspring, such as end member 502, for example. In one exemplaryembodiment, connector fitting 600 is received in the opening or passageformed in the end member, such as passage 510, for example, such thatflange 608 is in abutting engagement with the end member. As such, aretaining portion 638 between the flange and the projections is receivedwithin the fitting passage, and an outer portion 640 extends outwardlybeyond the fitting passage of the end member. To remove the connectorfitting from the fitting passage, free ends 634 of the retaining membersare forced radially inwardly to release projections 636 from a suitablegroove or shoulder formed along the fitting passage. The retainingmembers can be displaced in such a manner by squeezing the exposedportion of the retaining members extending along outer portion 640. Assuch, connector fitting 600 can be selectively removed from the endmember.

The present novel concept, as shown and described with reference to theforegoing exemplary embodiments, can be used to overcome one or moreproblems and disadvantages existing in known constructions andarrangements. For example, the costs associated with manufacturingthreaded components can be reduced by eliminating the threads on thefitting and corresponding part. As another example, the difficultiesassociated with installing and/or repairing air springs, especially inareas of reduced clearance, can also be minimized by utilizing thepresent novel concept, such as one of the foregoing embodiments, forexample. That is, the elimination of the threaded connection coupledwith the low-profile construction and push-in or snap-in design canresult in quicker and easier installation and reduced or minimizedclearance related problems.

Another advantage that is associated with the use of the present novelconcept relates to the production and inventory of air springcomponents. More specifically, it will be appreciated that air lines ofa variety of sizes are commonly used in association with air springassemblies. For example, otherwise identical air springs might havedifferent threaded passages to receive different sized threadedfittings, such as ⅜″ NPT, ½″ NPT, ¾″ NPT and/or similar metric threadsizes, for example. By utilizing a connection arrangement in accordancewith the present novel concept, air spring components having a singlediameter hole or bore can be manufactured. Fittings having the sameexternal dimensions but having different sized internal arrangements toreceive different sized tubing or sensors can be used. Thus, the numberof variations of air spring components can be reduced.

While the subject novel concept has been described with reference to theforegoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed hereinon the structures and structural interrelationships between thecomponent parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciatedthat other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made inthe embodiments illustrated and described without departing from theprinciples of the subject novel concept. Obviously, modifications andalterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding thepreceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctlyunderstood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpretedmerely as illustrative of the present novel concept and not as alimitation. As such, it is intended that the subject novel concept beconstrued as including all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims and any equivalentsthereof.

1. A connector fitting adapted for use in securing an associatedcomponent of an associated vehicle suspension system on an associatedair spring thereof, the associated air spring having an associatedspring chamber formed between a spaced-apart pair of associated endmembers with one of the associated end members having an associatedouter wall, an associated inner wall and an associated passage walldefining an associated fitting passage in communication with theassociated spring chamber, said connector fitting comprising: a fittinghousing dimensioned to be received within the associated fitting passageof the associated end member, said fitting housing including an outerhousing wall and an inner housing wall, said inner housing wall at leastpartially defining a housing passage extending through said fittinghousing for supporting the associated component in communication withthe associated spring chamber, and said outer housing wall including aradially outwardly extending support surface adapted to engage one ofthe associated outer wall and the associated passage wall of theassociated end member; a sealing member sealingly supported between saidfitting housing and the associated passage wall; and, a plurality ofelongated retaining members extending from said fitting housing, saidplurality of retaining members including a first end extending from saidfitting housing and a second end capable of resilient deflection, saidsecond end including a projection suitable for engaging one of theassociated inner wall and the associated passage wall.
 2. A connectorfitting according to claim 1 further comprising a retaining colletreceived at least partially within said fitting passage, said retainingcollet including a collet wall and a plurality of retaining fingersadapted to engage and retain the associated component within saidfitting passage.
 3. A connector fitting according to claim 2 furthercomprising an inner support sleeve supported within said fittingpassage.
 4. A connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein saidfitting housing includes a radially outwardly extending flange and saidsupport surface extends along at least a portion of said flange.
 5. Aconnector fitting according to claim 4, wherein said support surfaceincludes a frustoconical portion.
 6. A connector fitting according toclaim 1, wherein said fitting housing includes an end wall and saidfirst end of said plurality of retaining members extends from along saidend wall.
 7. A connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst end of said plurality of retaining members extends from along saidouter housing wall.
 8. A connector fitting according to claim 7, whereinsaid fitting housing includes a plurality of flats, and said retainingmembers are disposed along said flats in spaced relation to thereto. 9.A connector fitting according to claim 8, wherein said fitting housingincludes an outer end wall and an inner end wall, and said first end ofsaid retaining members is disposed along said outer housing wall towardsaid outer end wall with said support surface being disposed along saidfitting housing between said first end of said retaining member and saidinner end wall.
 10. An air spring assembly comprising: a first endmember including a first side, an opposing second side and asubstantially smooth-walled fluid passage extending therethrough; asecond end member in spaced relation to said first end member; aflexible wall secured between said first and second end members and atleast partially defining a fluid chamber in communication with saidfluid passage; a connector fitting for retaining an associated fluidline in communication with said fluid chamber, said connector fittingbeing supported on said first end member along said fluid passage, saidconnector fitting including: a fitting body including a support surfaceand a body wall, said body wall at least partially defining a bodypassage, said fitting body being at least partially received in saidfluid passage such that said support surface engages at least a portionof said first end member; a retaining collar received in said bodypassage and adapted to engage an associated exterior surface of theassociated fluid line; an inner support sleeve received in said bodypassage adjacent said retaining collar and adapted to engage anassociated interior surface of the associated fluid line; a firstsealing member compressively positioned between said fitting body andsaid first end member; and, a second sealing member disposed within saidbody passage and compressively positioned between said fitting body andthe associated exterior surface of the associated fluid line; and, aretaining member adapted to engage said first end member to retain saidconnector fitting thereon.
 11. An air spring assembly according to claim10, wherein said fitting body includes a radially outwardly extendingflange, and said flange is secured in abutting engagement along saidfirst end member by said retaining member.
 12. An air spring assemblyaccording to claim 11, wherein first end member includes a radiallyoutwardly extending groove disposed along said fluid passage adjacent anend wall of said fitting body, and said retaining member extends along aportion of said end wall and at least partially into said groove toretain said connector fitting on said first end member.
 13. An airspring assembly according to claim 11, wherein said retaining member isa first retaining member and said connector fitting includes a secondretaining member circumferentially spaced from said first retainingmember on said fitting body, said first and second retaining membersincluding a first end extending from said fitting body and an opposingsecond end spaced from said fitting body and being capable of resilientdeflection.
 14. An air spring assembly according to claim 13, whereinsaid first and second retaining members include outwardly extendingprojections disposed along said second end, said projections beingcapable of engaging said first end member and retaining said connectorfitting thereon.
 15. An air spring assembly according to claim 13,wherein said fitting body includes a longitudinally extending groove andone of said first and second retaining members is disposed along saidgroove.
 16. An air spring assembly according to claim 15, wherein saidfitting body includes an inner end wall and an outer end wall, and saidfirst end of said retaining members is disposed along said fitting bodytoward said outer end wall with said support surface longitudinallydisposed along said fitting body between said first end of saidretaining members and said inner end wall.
 17. An air spring assemblyadapted to receive an associated cartridge fitting suitable for securingan associated air line on said air spring assembly, said air springassembly comprising: a first end member including a first outer wall, anopposing first inner wall and an end member opening extending throughsaid first end member, said first end member having a substantiallyuniform first end member thickness along said end member opening; asecond end member including a second outer wall and an opposing secondinner wall, said second end member being spaced from said first endmember and oriented such that said second inner wall is disposed towardsaid first inner wall; a flexible wall secured between said first andsecond end members and at least partially forming a spring chamberbetween said first and second inner walls thereof; a cartridge housingsecured along said first inner wall of said first end member within saidspring chamber, said cartridge housing including a housing passageextending therethrough, said housing passage being accessible throughsaid end member opening for receiving the associated cartridge fitting.18. An air spring assembly according to claim 17, wherein said cartridgehousing includes a first side wall, an opposing second side wall andpilot extending outwardly from first side wall, said pilot having aheight that is less than or equal to said first end member thickness andthat is received into said end member opening such that said pilotextends substantially evenly with or is recessed below said first outerwall.
 19. An air spring assembly according to claim 18, wherein saidpilot is substantially cylindrical and extends substantially coaxiallywith said housing passage.
 20. An air spring assembly according to claim18, wherein said housing passage is formed such that the associatedcartridge fitting extends substantially evenly with or is recessed belowsaid first outer wall of said first end member.